Cutting an imposing figure at the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, the Arc de Triomphe can be accessed from one of 12 tree-lined avenues, named after France’s military leaders, that radiate out to form a star. The most famous of these is the Champs-Elysées, with the Arc de Triomphe situated at its western end. Despite the near-constant stream of busy traffic, pedestrians are afforded plenty of space to wind in and out of the columns that form the base of this architectural masterpiece.
The triumphal arch was originally commissioned by Napoleon I, who, after his victory at Austerlitz in 1806, promised his soldiers "You will return home through arches of triumph." Completed by Louis Philippe in 1836, the arch now honours all of the brave soldiers that have fought for the French Army. The inside of the arch lists the names of French generals, with the names of those killed in battle underlined. The arch’s exterior depicts battle scenes in a series of intricate sculptures, friezes and reliefs. Works by a number of French sculptors are featured, including James Pradier, Antoine Étex and François Rude.
Within the chaos of the traffic, the tourists and the architectural declaration of triumph and patriotism, the tomb of the unknown soldier affords visitors an opportunity for quiet contemplation. The soldier was laid to rest at the Arc de Triomphe in 1921, and an eternal flame sits atop the tomb, in honour of those anonymous soldiers killed in battle. The flame is rekindled every evening at 6.30 p.m.
Visitors with a head for heights can climb the 284 steps to the top of the arch, and, in return for the admission fee, will be rewarded with panoramic views of Paris. The observation deck stands at almost 50 metres high.
Evening visits are highly recommended, when Paris puts on a show of twinkling lights and iconic monuments including the Eiffel Tower, the Sacre-Coeur and the Louvre are all visible from the top. The Arc de Triomphe is open until 10.30 p.m. between October and March, and until 11 p.m. between April and September.
To visit the Arc de Triomphe, head for the 16th arrondissement on Paris’ Right Bank. Driving can be difficult as traffic around the monument is chaotic and parking is difficult to find. Arrive by bus, subway, railway or on foot by walking straight down the Champs-Elysees. If crowds aren’t a problem, a good time to visit is on 14th July when the Bastille Day parade follows the length of the Champs-Elysees and a huge flag billows from the Arc de Triomphe’s crown.
